And Then Reality Sinks In

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house,
Every creature was hurting-- even the mouse.

The toys were all broken, their batteries dead;
Santa passed out, with some ice on his head.

Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor, while
Upstairs the family continued to snore.

And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans,
Went into the kitchen and started to clean.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a little white truck, with an oversized mirror.

The driver was smiling, so lively and grand;
The patch on his jacket said "U.S. POSTMAN."

With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox,
Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox.

Bill after bill, after bill, they still came.
Whistling and shouting he called them by name:

"Now Dillard's, now Broadway's, now Penney's and Sears
Here's Levitz's and Target's and Mervyn's -- all here!!

To the tip or your limit, every store, every mall,
Now chargeaway-chargeaway-chargeaway all!"

He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work.
He filled up the box, and then turned with a jerk.

He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road,
Driving much faster with just half a load.

Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,
"ENJOY WHAT YOU GOT ... YOU'LL BE PAYING ALL YEAR!"


---many thanks to Cousin Candee.

I'm Dreaming Of A Beige Christmas

I've seen all the snow I want to see for another year. I mean it. I absolutely will not accept any more frozen precipitation.

I told Emily I would post an entry tonight, so now I'm obligated. I'm leaving Saturday morning to go home for Christmas and I'm so excited! I've got all my shopping finished, got all the gifts wrapped, and finally put away the mess, so now I can relax.

Had a great weekend. Saturday I went shopping with my friend, Dawn. She's really a sweetie. We had such a good time. The weather was wonderful and all the shops downtown were full of happy people and we ate a great lunch, then we went to see The Queen and yes! it was as good as all the reviews. Helen Mirren was Queen Elizabeth. The acting was superb all around, but I don't see it winning Best Picture. I'd see it again, though, just for the settings and the acting, and if you get the chance, don't miss it.

Sunday night my friend Sandy's husband cooked dinner for us and we had a great time watching him do all the work. He baked a ham and cornbread and even make mashed potatoes from real potatoes. I'd forgotten that they don't have to come from a box. Sandy has a couple of really cute little boys that are close in age to Reece, which made me miss him even more. When I was getting ready to leave their house, we were talking about food and I said that I loved ham and all things pork, especially bacon, and Sandy's husband said, "Oh, Sandy, I'm so glad you have a friend who likes bacon." Sandy, you got funny hubby. You keep him.

Reece is going to see Charlotte's Web tomorrow during school (what a great deal that is) but he told me that he would probably be willing to see it again with me over the holiday break. I'm dying to see it. That's one of my favorite stories.

Got my grades; made two As and one B. I simply could not have made an A in managment class. The instructor nitpicked my papers to death, so I didn't stand a chance for an A. I'm just happy to have one semester over!

If I don't post anymore this week, then you guys know I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, or whatever holiday you celebrate. I love you all!!!

Vanessa

Some Thoughts That Popped Into My Head This Afternoon While I Was Writing A Paper

I wonder if figure skating is on TV today.

Does Abby need food? Okay, she’s sleeping soundly right now, but I still should get up and check her bowl. And while I’m up, I could pour myself a diet coke. Or some coffee.

You know what would really be good? Some green tea. But, all my mugs are in the dishwasher. I could wash one by hand, but I’m too busy writing this paper to take the time to wash a stinking mug right now. Geez!

Who wrote the first dictionary?

How did language begin?

I should have become a linguist.

I really hate it when someone says “gonna.” It’s not a word, but, I hear it all the time.

And “probably” has THREE syllables.

Why am I such a bitch?

I can write a paper and watch TV at the same time, sure!

No, I can’t.

I really need to take a break and iron my pants. I hate ironing.

I need some new pants.

I wonder when my library books are due. I need to check online and see.

I need some Advil.

I’d better make a list of everything I need to do over the next month.

I need to find a new dentist.

I’m tired of new. I didn’t realize how much, or how comfortable, familiarity is. I have been out of my comfort zone for so long, I’ve forgotten what it’s like.

I need a cookie.

And another one.

I should eat more fruit.

I’m going to start going to the gym after the New Year.

I say that every year.

More Talk of Snow

We had the "Snow of the Decade" on Friday, so I stayed in all weekend. I'd missed most of work last week even before the snow due to the worst sinus/bronchial infection I've had in ages. I was happy to be back among the living today, but the drive to work and home today was horrenodus. Never seen snow like this, evah, evah, said Miss Scarlett.

So, anyway, back to the week being homebound. I didn't have to do any schoolwork, so I lounged around and watched the We station, not the WE, but some chic station, that was having "Royal Weekend" all weekend and they played forty-eight hours of royalty, British of course. It was great! And, when I needed a break from that, there were Harry Potter movies playing, too. It was the best lazy, stay-in-out-of-the-cold, weekend you can imagine!

Speaking of royalty, if one of my local theatres does not show The Queen pretty soon, I'm going to have to hurt someone.

Forget Everything Negative I Ever Said About Summer

Big, Big, Big Snow! This southern doggie is not enjoying it in the least. We're sort of confused about what all this bright, cold stuff is! And what is its purpose? We're just not sure! And danged if it doesn't make our feet really, really cold.